Top Tips For Single Moms Considering Getting A Pet

In an ideal world, you would want your kids to be happy, healthy and have everything that they want, right? So how about if your little darlings want to adopt or get a new puppy or kitten? Are you ready to change your lifestyle for good, by welcoming a new pet into your home life? If you are a single mom, then getting a pet can cause massive upheaval, especially if you feel like you have just got your home life under control. However, if your kids are struggling at school or feeling a bit down and upset after your separation or divorce, then owning an animal will teach then a whole host of responsibilities and enable them to get in touch with their emotions all over again.

What works best?

Your friends might think you haven’t thought through getting a new cat or dog, but if it works for you and your household, and you feel that you are ready to welcome a new four-legged friend into your life, then there is no reason why you should not.

For many single-parent households, the pros of pet ownership outweigh the cons. Once your kids pick up their new pet, they need to be aware that their lives, and yours, are going to change forever. As a pet owner, your kids will need to learn to be much more responsible of their own actions, as they need to make sure that your new family member is fed on time, and has the amount of exercise and attention that they need. If you feel that your kids are a bit depressed or have retreated into themselves at home, then a new pet is the ideal way to help them to heal and open up.

The beauty of animals is that they are able to love unconditionally and will help your kids to feel safe and protected at all times, even if they feel like they are lost or struggling in their day-to-day. Pet ownership is also ideal if you want to make your kids feel more connected, and ensure that your family unit remains stronger. If you are considering getting a dog, then you will be able to enjoy long weekend walks and even consider entering your new pooch in a local dog show while cats are great for spending time at home and snuggling up together on the couch. So, if you feel that your kids are willing, able and ready to become pet owners, then now is the ideal time.

Dog or cat?

Now you feel ready to get a pet; you are going to need to sit down with your kids and work out which option works best for you all. If you live in a small apartment or work long hours, then you will need to make your kids understand that a cat might be the better option because cats are more independent. If your little ones are set on owning a dog, then you will need to explain the benefits or issues of choosing a smaller or larger breed. If you feel that your family will benefit from a pet that is larger and easier to hug, while also acting as a guard dog for your property, then consider a medium-sized dog. You should not be choosing a protection animal over a family pet, as it could even put you and your family in danger if the animal is not properly trained. However, if you have the time, space and are ready to welcome a larger breed of dog into your life, then a medium-sized dog could be the ideal option.

Financial costs

If you are a single parent, then your household budget could be rather tight. So, it is vital that you do the math to make sure that you can afford to own a new pet before going ahead and promising your kids. Animals might make up for it in love, but they

are an expensive long-term commitment. First, you need to consider you will now have to purchase pet food and biscuits each month, in addition to toys to help keep your pet entertained. You should also make sure that you take out pet insurance so that your dog or cat can be taken to the vet and undergo any procedure or surgery if needed – as unwelcome or unplanned pet bills can be very costly. Finally, you will need to make sure that your pet is treated on a monthly basis for worms, ticks or fleas. VetIQ pet products are ideal for keeping your pet happy, healthy and pest free. Remember that the average dog or cat can live for 12 years or more, so this is a commitment that you will need to budget in for the foreseeable future.

Not just a phase

Finally, you will need to make sure that your kids are one hundred percent committed and on board with getting a new family pet. Explain that a dog or cat is for life and that your kids will need to help with training, play time and even when your pet gets sick. Make sure that your little ones are fully able to understand what this means, and make sure that they retain interest and are excited about getting a new pet. If they keep changing their mind, then now might not be the right time to welcome a new pet into your lives.

If you are thinking of getting a new pet for you and your family but are worried how you are going to cope as a busy single mom, then make sure that you take your time to choose the right pet for you and your entire clan. Pet ownership can be the ideal way to help your kids learn about responsibility and to help them if they are feeling down, however, owning a new pet also means that you will need to be financially responsible and ready to own a pet for the foreseeable future. Take your time and be sure that you are ready and able to welcome a new pet into your home.

Thanks to Ana Apostolska